Earthquake Proof Buildings

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In this final section of our project, we will be exploring how humans prepare for the physical impact of an earthquake. You will explore how engineers and designers choose the materials and structure of buildings to help make them as stable as possible. After your investigation, you will design your own building! Each building will then be tested for it's "earthquake resistance" on our own custom build shake table!Buildings are due June 3

Part One: Building Big Investigation (alone)

  • Use this website to help you learn about the materials and designs that make a building as stable as it can be.
  • As you explore the site, write down tips and information that will help you design and build your building.
  • You must do all four labs listed (Forces, Materials, Loads and Shapes)


Part Two: Skyscrapers (alone)

  • In this part of the project you will investigate skyscrapers on the Website above
  • As you learn about Skyscrapers, record any information that you think is important to help you design and build yours.

Part Three: Earthquake Proof Buildings (alone)

  • In this section your task is to investigate online how engineers design and construct earthquake proof buildings.
  • Use any resources you can find
  • Record notes in your notebook

Part Four: Design and Build your Building (Partners)

  • This is the fun part!
  • You will now design your building based on everything that you have learned from the previous activities.
  • When designing your building you will create a conceptual drawing of the finished building using your perspective drawing skills. See below for examples.
  • You will also write a description of the structure of your building, materials that you used and how you made it "Earthquake Proof".
  • The final challenge of the project is to build a 3D model of your building. See below for details.

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You can include things like trees and sidewalks.
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Don't forget doors and windows!




Part Five: 3D Model and Shake Test
  • For this part of the project, you will build a 3D model of your design that includes only the skeleton of the building (including supports and showing the structure that would be on the inside of the walls.
  • Building must be made out of the following materials. You can choose any combination from this list but can not use anything else.
    • pasta $75 each
    • straws $125 each
    • mini marshmallows $40 each
    • tape $20/3 cm
    • Popsicle sticks $200 each
    • small candies $50 each
    • black licorice $75
  • The catch is that you only have $6000 to build the most stable building possible!
  • Your building must be at least 40 cm tall
  • Your goal is to have your building last a 15 second "earthquake" on the shake table but your grade for this project is not dependent on it staying up.

Bonus: You can also make a digital 3D model of your building on Google Sketchup for BONUS MARKS!


Assessment:

You will be graded according to the following:
  • Your blue print
  • Your material, design and structural choices (they should show that you understood the best way to build an earthquake proof building from your exploration above)
  • Whether or not you stayed within budget